Star-Ledger file photo by Andy MillsRoad construction is on hold - and construction workers are on ice - until a funding showdown is resolved.

State-funded transportation projects all over the state are halted today, as political maneuvering by the Democrat-controlled legislature was countered by Republican Gov. Chris Christie with an order to shut projects down. Last week, Democratic leaders in the legislature, concerned Gov. Christie may be set to divert federal tunnel funding to the nearly bankrupt Transportation Trust Fund, held up a bond measure that would have paid for projects through March. Christie countered with his order halting work on around 100 projects until the fight can be resolved. An emergency meeting was on the schedule for 10 a.m. Monday.

What a rigorous political schedule we have here...one day to meet over the 400 million education gaffe...one day for the transportation issue....one for the Oprah/Booker/Christie education plan....results TBA.

(Cue Rod Serling) Imagine traveling to a state where laws were passed to fund government on a reasonable, fiscally conservative, and sustainable basis. Where money was not pulled from one fund to pay for the political pet project du jour. You're traveling to a land where the laws were actually written with the future outcome in mind, and cans were not kicked down the road, and false promises weren't made. This highway leads to the sharp end of reality: you're on a through-route to blunt honesty, integrity, and fiscal responsibility. Go as far as you like on this road. It's limits are only those of simple math - you can spend only what the elected officials have legislated for. This is the road you're on, and the next stop is.... sustainability.